Senate Bill 240: Establishing Contractual Cohabitation

Sponsors:
Senator Robert E. Clegg, Jr. (R) and Representative Marshall E. Quandt (R)

Summary:
Senate Bill 240 provides for two people of either gender to enter into a legally binding contract that commits the parties to mutual responsibilities and obligations, and allows them to obtain certain benefits and protections.

Status:

2/15/2007		(Senate) Introduced and referred to Judiciary Committee
3/27/2007		(Senate) Hearing, 2:50 p.m., Statehouse, Room 103
4/5/2007		(Senate) Committee Report, Re-referred to Committee
1/3/2008		(Senate) Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate for January 17
1/18/2008		(Senate) Voted Inexpedient to Legislate—Bill Killed

HSLDA's Position:
Oppose. Senate Bill 240 essentially allows couples to simulate marriage, and thereby undermine the God-ordained union of one man and one woman. Homeschooling is based on a traditional interpretation of parental rights, which are derived from a number of sources, including “western civilization concepts of the family as a union of a man and a woman with broad parental authority over minor children…” [See U.S. Supreme Court case Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000)]. An attack on these concepts erodes parental rights and the foundation for home education.

Action Requested:
None.

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